HC Deb 05 May 1920 vol 128 cc2070-1
79. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any British representative in any part of the world is empowered to make any charge for the visé or endorsement upon the passport of any British subject returning to Great Britain; and, if so, in what particular cities payment for this service may be demanded?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

British representatives are not empowered to make any charge for the visa or endorsement on the passport of any British subject returning to Great Britain, as, according to British regulations, no such visa or endorsement is necessary. Where the British visa or endorsement is required in order to comply with the regulations of a foreign Government, it should be given free of charge. As it appears that in some places a charge for the visa has been made to British subjects returning to the United Kingdom, steps have been taken to bring the regulation again to the notice of all who grant visas.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Will the British subjects who have been wrongfully charged, and made to pay on their vises after the first regulation was sent out, be enabled to get their money back?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will advise me how that is best to be done?

Colonel A. MURRAY

Have representations yet been made to the French Government with a view to the abolition of the vise system?

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